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What makes a Sadowsky better than a Music Man or a Modulus?

I am very objective, you asked a question and I am trying to help you understand a little that's all. I bet you after watching it you probably won't ask the question and will fully understand the why. By the way I like all basses, including Alleva-Coppolo which to me really cop that 70's sound to a T. Funny how no one ask why are coppolo basses 3,500-4,000 dollars more than MM or Modulus.
 
I've gotta say this.......
Make sure the amp and cab you use can deliver the goods.
I just saw a guy the other night using a Sadowski through
a Beringer amp and some unknown cabinet and it sounded terrible.
If someone is going to put out all that money on something like a Sado, they can easily destroy what they're all about.
My SR5 through my Markbass setup was above and beyond his sound.
 
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Play a bunch of basses and then buy the one that feels good and sounds good to you. You won't end up happy any other way. Never buy a bass just because somebody else gets a good sound out of it, or one of your idols plays one. There are so many variables that come into play, so even if you had the same instrument, you might not like it. I've had cheapies that were set up to play the way I like them to play, that were worth more to me that a 4K boutique bass.

Spend a half a day or so in a bass only shop.

You will never be happy with a bass you buy solely because it has a reputation or someone you admire plays one. Also, learn to do your own set up.
 
I'm just ribbing you, bud. As for why no one questions the cost of Alleva-Coppolo basses, it's probably because not as many people of heard of them.

You may be correct but those coppolos are gaining a serious following, I have seen a few on TV. I love them but they are a little heavy for me. But boy if you play one man that 70's sound PERFECT. Have a great 2012.
 
Play a bunch of basses and then buy the one that feels good and sounds good to you. You won't end up happy any other way. Never buy a bass just because somebody else gets a good sound out of it, or one of your idols plays one. There are so many variables that come into play, so even if you had the same instrument, you might not like it. I've had cheapies that were set up to play the way I like them to play, that were worth more to me that a 4K boutique bass.

Spend a half a day or so in a bass only shop.

You will never be happy with a bass you buy solely because it has a reputation or someone you admire plays one. Also, learn to do your own set up.

Very well said and GREAT advice, and if you get a chance to play it live do so. Sadowsky has a 7 day return policy, which is great to try the bass in a live setting, if it does not work ship it back to Roger.
 
I don't think any bass would sound good from that rig.


I've gotta say this.......
Make sure the amp and cab you use can deliver the goods.
I just saw a guy the other night using a Sadowski through
a Beringer amp and some unknown cabinet and it sounded terrible.
If someone is going to put out all that money on something like a Sado, they can easily destroy what they're all about.
My SR5 through my Markbass setup was above and beyond his sound.
 
Play a bunch of basses and then buy the one that feels good and sounds good to you. You won't end up happy any other way. Never buy a bass just because somebody else gets a good sound out of it, or one of your idols plays one. There are so many variables that come into play, so even if you had the same instrument, you might not like it. I've had cheapies that were set up to play the way I like them to play, that were worth more to me that a 4K boutique bass.

Spend a half a day or so in a bass only shop.

You will never be happy with a bass you buy solely because it has a reputation or someone you admire plays one. Also, learn to do your own set up.

All truth. I have a $300 Squire CV that gives me just as much satisfaction and sounds just as good as my "higher quality" basses. Also, knowing how to do my own set-ups has been a life saver.

In all honesty, we could probably just throw this up as a sticky and lock the "Basses" forum; this answers everything.
 
Sadowsky? Build quality and attention to detail - in a nutshell.

Sound-wise? Sadowskys never really wowed me. They sound good, but there's no extra mojo in there for me.

Sadowsky sound vs. MM sound is kind of like apples and oranges, at least to me. As for the Modulus . . . never played one.

MM basses have their own thing going. I never much liked the bedroom tone of them, but they usually sound great in a mix, if the player is good and knows how to EQ. Additionally . . . for American made, factory produced instruments, you can't beat the price. MM's are a DEAL.

However . . . I never seemed to be head-over-heels about my Stingray. But it always manages to stick around. It's like that woman who's a decent 7 and is easy to get along with. You know she'll have your back.
 
I am very objective, you asked a question and I am trying to help you understand a little that's all. I bet you after watching it you probably won't ask the question and will fully understand the why. By the way I like all basses, including Alleva-Coppolo which to me really cop that 70's sound to a T. Funny how no one ask why are coppolo basses 3,500-4,000 dollars more than MM or Modulus.

There is how "why" to "why are they better" - because "better" is a subjective thing.
It's like my asking "why is my wife prettier than yours?"

There is a "why" to "why are they so expensive". There are several "whys" to that, and the primary one is that enough people think that they are good enough to justify that price.
 
How about, if I'm allowed, a side question.

How much of the Sadowsky "thing" is in the pre-amp? Say I threw one of their outboard pre-amps in the signal chain behind a decent Jazz bass, would it be close?
 
Nice video plug. I did not watch it all, but I saved it and will later. I'd seen bits and pieces of this video before, but it's nice to have the whole thing now. Thanks.

Did not mean for it to be a plug at all, just showing others a little history and trying to help them understand why Roger has been doing it for 30 years and how he came about doing it. I can bet you anything someone one else down the line will ask the "WHY" question again, and if someone here saves the link they can help that new person asking that same question.
 
How about, if I'm allowed, a side question.

How much of the Sadowsky "thing" is in the pre-amp? Say I threw one of their outboard pre-amps in the signal chain behind a decent Jazz bass, would it be close?

Yes it can be close, but remember we are also dealing with different woods and strings and such. I had the Outboard Pre before i had my first SAD, and i liked it alot, once i got the SADOWSKY i had no need for the outboard. Those outboards are great for someone that has a vintage FENDER and does not want to modify it. If you take a look at this film you will get lots of answers.

Behind The Notes with Roger Sadowsky - YouTube
 
How about, if I'm allowed, a side question.

How much of the Sadowsky "thing" is in the pre-amp? Say I threw one of their outboard pre-amps in the signal chain behind a decent Jazz bass, would it be close?

I think MOST of it is in the preamp. I had a Sadowsky Metro and an American Standard Jazz Bass w/Sadowsky Outboard preamp.
I got rid of the Metro. I liked the feel and tone of the Fender with the outboard preamp better. JUST MY OPINION..
 
Trust me, I have that video bookmarked and do plan on watching it. I'm sure it is interesting and enlightening.

BUT.....

When I have a specific question, I'd rather hear "real world" stories from the Talk Bass community (folks such as yourself) than look for answers in a video that's ostensibly a commercial for the manufacturer.